Synonyms for rule

Choose the Right Synonym for rule

Noun

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.
obey the lawrule applies to more restricted or specific situations.
the rules of the game regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.
regulations affecting nuclear power plantsprecept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.
the precepts of effective writing statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.
a statute requiring the use of seat belts ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.
a city ordinancecanon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.
the canons of good taste

Verb

decide, determine, settle, rule, resolve mean to come or cause to come to a conclusion. decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.
she decided to sell her house determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.
determined the cause of the problemsettle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.
the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.
the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.
he resolved to quit smoking

Examples of rule in a Sentence

Noun
I understand the basic rules of chess.
As long as you're living under our roof, you'll follow our rules.
The college has strict rules for qualifying for financial assistance.
The new rule allows employees to dress casually on Fridays.
Under the new rules, casual dress is now allowed.
the company's rules and regulations
It's important to learn the rules of the road before taking your driving test.
It's against the rules to eat during class.
He violated the unwritten rule that you must thank your host before you leave a party.
If you break the rules, you'll be asked to leave. Verb
The queen ruled for 25 years.
A dynasty ruled over this region during the 11th century.
Who will be the next leader to rule the country?
All of his actions were ruled by his religion.
The court ruled in favor of the defendant.
The jury ruled against the tobacco companies.
How will the court rule on the motion?
The Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional.
The board ruled that her behavior was cheating.

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rule.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Legal Definition of rule

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a: a prescribed guide for conduct or action

b: a regulating principle or precept

2a: an order or directive issued by a court in a particular proceeding especially upon petition of a party to the proceeding that commands an officer or party to perform an act or show cause why an act should not be performed
a rule directing the district court to show cause why its ruling should not be vacated — People v. District Court, 797 P.2d 1259 (1990)

b: a usually judicially promulgated regulation having the force of law that governs judicial practice or procedure
rules of evidencerules of appellate procedure — see also rule of court

3: all or part of a statement (as a regulation) by an administrative agency that has general or particular applicability and future effect and that is designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or that describes the organization, procedure, or practice of the agency itself
a rule subject to statutory notice and comment requirements for informal rulemaking

4a: a regulation or bylaw governing procedure or conduct in a body, organization, institution, or proceeding

b: a resolution of a legislative rules committee setting forth the terms for consideration of a particular bill by the entire body